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Nissan 370Z 7-speed auto GT Ultimate road test report

7-speed auto GT Ultimate

Nissan’s line of sporting Z cars dates back to the early ‘70s, but through the ‘80s and ‘90s the Zs accumulated flab and so weren’t quite as sporty as their badges suggested. Then in the early noughties came the 350Z – a properly hot driver’s machine, and now the 370Z – with extra chilli.

Road Test Reports Says 5 star rating
A front-facing image of the Nissan 370Z 7-speed auto GT Ultimate

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TOM SAYS

Performance Performance - 5 stars

I can’t imagine that many 350Z owners ever complained about a lack of power, but that hasn’t stopped Nissan from bumping it up on the new 3.7-litre V6 by 18bhp to 326bhp. Strangely, Nissan’s claimed acceleration figures of 0-62 in 5.3 (6sp manual) and 5.6 (7sp auto) for the 32kg-lighter 370 seem very conservative, as does its 155mph claimed max speed. It could be that the 7-sp auto’s slightly higher 0-62 time is explained by it having to make one extra upshift before hitting 62mph, but with the world’s first synchronised up/down shift rev control system (not a ‘double clutch’ system) it changes gear faster and more smoothly than any conventional manual. Regardless of the figures, the 370Z feels like a seriously fast car from the driver’s seat.

Ride & Handling Ride & Handling - 5 stars

If you’re looking for a sports car by name but not in nature then you’re reading the wrong test. Like its immediate predecessor, the 370Z is a focused driver’s machine with precise steering and very taut handling. With a static weight distribution of 53/47 front/rear (shifting to the perfect 50/50 under acceleration) the 370 also features a 30% stiffer bodyshell, a 100mm-shorter wheelbase for improved agility with a 15mm- and 55mm-wider front/rear track for increased grip. There’s also improved steering feel and bigger brakes which also place the 370Z right up there with the best (eg. Porsche), but the trade-off is a fairly firm ride along with sometimes intrusive road noise from tyres and suspension.

Build Quality & Reliability Build Quality & Reliability - 5 stars

The 350Z looked pretty good when it was in the showroom, but its interior – notably the durability of the leather and some plastics – sometimes proved a weak point after a couple of year’s hard use. It’s hard for me to say after a short time with a brand new car how the 370Z will stand up, but Nissan has apparently addressed these issues and nothing seemed amiss on the car I drove. Quite the reverse in fact as the dash, leather, controls and all fixtures and fittings not only looked terrific, but seemed pretty durable too. On a more general note, Nissan has long enjoyed a solid reputation in customer satisfaction surveys.

Safety & Security Safety & Security - 5 stars

With an enthusiastically driven, powerful sports car there’s always the potential for a big accident, but Nissan has certainly done its bit to reduce the possibility and mitigate any effects. In addition to ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and a viscous limited-slip differential, there’s also ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist. Driver and passenger airbags are matched by side and curtain airbags, while active head restraints and tyre pressure monitoring are also fitted as standard. Security is handled by an engine immobiliser, Nissan’s Intelligent Key system and a Thatcham-approved alarm.

Space & Practicality Space & Practicality - 4 stars

If you want to take everything plus the kitchen sink with you then this smallish two-seater coupe obviously won’t be up to the task. However, if you pack reasonably light then its 235-litre boot should suffice for a long weekend away for two. And if you’re prepared to leave the boot contents in full view then you’ll doubtless squeeze a bit more in. As previously mentioned, I have no complaints about the 370Z’s cabin, which, in top grade ‘GT Ultimate’ spec comes with a very long list of desirable goodies including an eight-speaker Bose sound system, a 6-CD changer and an integrated satnav system.

Ownership & Value Ownership & Value - 4 stars

Prices start at a pretty reasonable £26,900 otr for the base model, rising to £30,200 for the GT Pack and £31,900 for the GT Ultimate. Fuel consumption and CO2 figures may not be of primary concern for potential 370Z owners, but for the record they’re 26.9mpg combined (6sp manual) and 27.2mpg (7sp auto), along with 249g/km (man) and 247g/km (auto). Service intervals are at 9,000m and there’s a 3yr/60,000m warranty. So, there are plenty of cars that are cheaper to run, but very few that are quite so involving and rewarding to drive. But be sure to know that the 370Z is an out-and-out sports car and its talents will be wasted on those merely looking for something to pose about in.

Submitted: 28/05/2009 14:23:12

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